Mid-Air Kills 'Russian Knights' Squadron Leader

A mid-air collision between a single-place Su-27 and a two-place Su-27UB combat trainer Sunday has killed the leader of the Russian Knights precision aerobatic team. The accident occurred during the team's final rehearsal for Russia's largest airshow, MAKS 2009, in the town of Zhukovsky.

Su-27 File Photo

Few details are available about the incident. Witnesses say all pilots ejected after the planes collided, and ITAR TASS reports the body of Igor Tkachenko, along with his parachute and ejection seat, have been found near the village of Zakharikha. The other two pilots have been found alive, with one of them reported to have suffered a spinal fracture.

Five people on the ground were reportedly injured, and four building were damaged when the aircraft impacted the ground.

The aircraft apparently collided about three miles from the Zhukovsky air field. A Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman said the likely cause of the accident is pilot error. Both aircraft carry cockpit voice and data recorders, which authorities say have been found and will be examined.

Test pilot Anatoly Kvochur told the Russian Vesti TV channel it is possible that Tkachenko was trying to steer away from a residential area before ejecting, and that he might have not had enough altitude for his parachute to deploy.

The opening of the MAKS air exhibition, which is held every two years near Moscow, was not postponed. The Russian Air Force is still determining whether The Russian Knights team will bring in backup aircraft and pilots and perform at the show.

FMI: www.knights.ru/knights-e.shtml